Sunday 26 April 2015

Match Prediction : Arsenal vs Chelsea

The EPL game of the week would definitely be between the Arsenal vs Chelsea match which will kick off on Sunday, 26-April-2015 at 23:00 (GMT+8).


Chelsea who is currently the leader in the BPL has 10 points advantage over their rivals Arsenal. Arsenal's record at Emirates Stadium this season is ranked no 4 in BPL with 15 games played, 11 victories, 3 draws and suffered 1 loss with 37 goals scored and 12 goals scored against. I would say it is pretty decent record thus far. As for the visitors, their away record is the best in the league with 16 games played, 10 victories, 4 draws and suffered 2 losses with 34 goals scored and 19 goals scored against. Both teams seem to be capable of scoring goals and conceding maybe 1 goal per game.


Image source : www.theguardian.com

For the Arsenal, the in-form Alexis Sanchez has been on the headlines for the recent weeks. His fantastic work rate and vision of goal has rewarded him with the multiple goals scored recently. I would feel that besides his work rate, other team members like Mesut Oezil will be able to step up to the occasion too. Mesut was in the Real Madrid squad which was coached by Jose Mourinho, the Chelsea manager for the past couple of years. Mesut would definitely be clear about the tactics deployed by his former coach and might have something to say about how his coach might have manage his current Chelsea team. The Arsenal midfield will have to hold things together and try to break down Chelsea's counter attack which they are so good at. Once that portion is solved, Arsenal would have the possession and then think about moving forward to try to score the precious goal.



Image source : www.dailystar.co.uk

Chelsea come to this game with a slight chance that Diego Costa might be leading the attack line. He will be given the clearance late on Sunday to see if he is fit for the match. I would still feel that the game for Chelsea has always been won by the midfielders. Eden Hazard and Cesc Fabregas need no introduction as they have shown to the world how good they have been. Eden Hazard has 13 goals to his name and another 13 for assists. He is currently the second top scorer for his team. As for Cesc Fabregas, he has 3 goals to his name but has 16 assists which is the highest for his team. These two players do link up a lot each game with over 60% of passes to each other during each game. There is another midfield who I fancy quite a bit and he is no other than the Brazilian Oscar. He has performed well each time he comes to the pitch. So far for this season, he has scored 6 goals and 8 assists to his name for just only 25 games. The midfield battle will be fierce and whoever is capable to holding on to possession will be able to grow their momentum.


The previous Head-to-Head for these two teams favour Chelsea. There might be a slim chance for Arsenal to get ahead in this match and sneak the victory. The midfielders will have to control the game and create enough chances for Alexis Sanchez and Olivier Giroud to put the home side ahead. The defenders will have to be on their toes to keep Eden Hazard, Cesc Fabregas and Oscar quiet in the midfield. My prediction for this game would be a slim victory for the home side. It will be Arsenal 1 Chelsea 0. And of course may the best team on this special occasion.